It been 16 years since Al-Qaeda terrorists used hijacked planes to take down the World Trade Center and attack other targets, killing 3,000. For many, the pain is as fresh today as it was on that terrible day in 2001. But some images from that day and beyond stand out more than others.

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AP photo

The perpetrators

In this chilling surveillance photo, hijackers Abdulaziz Alomari and Mohamen Atta re seen entering the Portland International Jetport in Maine on the morning of 9/11. They would later fly one of the planes into the World Trade Center.

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AP photo

The mastermind

In this video capture, Al Qaeada leader Osama bin Laden is seen discussing the 9/11 attacks just months after they took place. It made every American want to jump through their TV screens and take justice into their own hands. Bid Laden would later be killed by U.S. forces.

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Photo by Shannon Stapleton

The first casualty

FDNY chaplain Father Mychal Judge is shown being carried from the wreckage of the Twin Towers. Judge is officially listed as the first casualty of 9/11.